Ex-senator slams Nigerian minister's prison dance in Ethiopia

Former Nigerian senator Babafemi Ojudu has sharply criticized the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, following a viral video of her dancing with Nigerian inmates during a prison visit in Ethiopia. Ojudu, who previously served as a senator and special adviser, stated that the minister's actions projected an inappropriate message regarding crime, punishment, and public leadership.

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I watched it several times, hoping there was some context I had missed. If the objective was to negotiate the transfer of Nigerian prisoners back home, could that not have been done with dignity, sobriety, and a clear sense of the gravity of the situation?

In a social media statement, Ojudu questioned the context of the scene, asking if negotiations for prisoner transfers could not have been conducted with more dignity and sobriety. He emphasized that prisons are institutions for punishment, reflection, and rehabilitation, not celebration, and warned public officials against blurring these distinctions. The former senator also raised concerns about the message such images send to law-abiding citizens and young Nigerians, as well as to the international community.

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Public officials must be careful not to blur those distinctions.

Ojudu acknowledged the government's duty to protect citizens abroad and ensure their humane treatment. However, he drew a line between defending citizens' rights and appearing to endorse wrongdoing. He concluded that the incident highlighted broader issues concerning standards in public office and national representation, calling it a "troubling image" that should concern everyone.

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What does it say to those who have obeyed the law, endured hardship, and resisted the temptation to seek prosperity through crime? And what does it say to the international community about our national values?

The minister's visit to Aba Samuel Prison in Addis Ababa followed the signing of a prisoner transfer agreement between Nigeria and Ethiopia. This agreement allows convicted Nigerians in Ethiopia and Ethiopians in Nigeria to complete their sentences in their home countries, based on principles of humanity, justice, and cooperation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated the agreement will facilitate the transfer of over 100 Nigerian prisoners.

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It is a troubling image. And it should trouble both the rulers and the ruled.